Transfusion Reactions

Synonyms

Acute hemolytic transfusion reactions; Delayed transfusion reactions; Febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reactions; Transfusion associated circulatory overload; TACO; Transfusion related acute lung injury; TRALI

Definition and Characteristics

A transfusion reaction is an adverse event which occurs during or after the transfusion of a blood product [1,2]. In hemolytic transfusion reactions (HTRs), transfused donor red blood cells (RBCs) are destroyed by the host's immune system and they can be acute (immediate) or delayed, and severe or mild. In severe acute hemolytic transfusion reactions (AHTRs), RBCs are destroyed intravascularly as seen with ABO-incompatible transfusion reactions and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and renal failure can also occur. In delayed transfusion reactions (DHTRs), RBCs are destroyed extravascularly, rarely causing hemoglobinemia and hemoglobinuria. Febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reactions (FNHTRs) are caused